This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Alaskas most college-friendly towns.
The comprehensive evaluation of these 6 criteria provides a holistic view of each locations suitability for college students.
The town offers minimal hip and trendy atmosphere (6.99) and limited vibrancy (9.05).
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Walkability is quite restricted at 3.10, though transit options are surprisingly decent at 14.93.
Cycling infrastructure is not significantly developed.
Kenai
Kenai, on the Kenai Peninsula, scores 14.48 on the College Friendly index.
Walkability is very limited at 2.44, and both cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed.
Salcha
Salcha, southeast of Fairbanks, scores 14.82 on the College Friendly index.
Cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed.
However, it does provide surprisingly good transit options (24.55) for workers.
Housing in Prudhoe Bay is primarily employer-provided, with very limited private housing options available.
Wasilla
Wasilla, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, scores 16.63 on the College Friendly index.
These remote locations offer limited hip and trendy options (11.60) and low vibrancy (5.42).
Walkability is limited at 2.84, and cycling options are minimal at 7.17.
Public transit is not significantly developed.
Metlakatla
Metlakatla, Alaskas only federal Indian reservation, scores 23.37 on the College Friendly index.
Cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed.
Unalaska
Unalaska, home to the famous Dutch Harbor fishing port, scores 25.58 on the College Friendly index.
Transportation options are primarily limited to personal vehicles as cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed.
Sterling
Sterling, on the Kenai Peninsula, scores 25.78 on the College Friendly index.
Public transit is limited but available at 11.52, while cycling infrastructure is not significantly developed.
Big Lake
Big Lake, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, scores 25.98 on the College Friendly index.
This recreational community offers limited hip and trendy atmosphere (5.66) and moderate vibrancy (13.28).
Walkability is very limited at 1.26, and both cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan scores 27.38 on the College Friendly index.
Public transit is relatively well-developed at 26.13, though cycling infrastructure is minimal at 1.28.
The town offers a surprisingly hip and trendy atmosphere at 40.59, reflecting its artistic community.
Vibrancy is moderate at 15.66, while walkability (6.19) and cycling options (12.22) are limited.
Public transit is not significantly developed.
Ester
Ester, a small community near Fairbanks, scores 30.29 on the College Friendly index.
Transportation primarily relies on personal vehicles as cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed.
Palmer
Palmer, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, scores 35.12 on the College Friendly index.
The town offers moderate levels of hip and trendy atmosphere (21.40) and vibrancy (24.03).
Anchorage
Alaskas largest city scores 35.40 on the College Friendly index.
Cycling infrastructure is available at 18.90.
Kodiak
Kodiak Islands main city scores 39.77 on the College Friendly index.
While not particularly hip and trendy at 10.84, it offers good vibrancy (33.94) for its size.
Transportation options are somewhat limited with walkability at 9.70, cycling at 5.63, and transit at 6.43.
North Pole
North Pole scores 49.90 on the College Friendly index.
Public transit is very limited at 4.07, and cycling infrastructure is not significantly developed.
Sitka
Sitka offers a well-rounded college experience with a College Friendly Score of 50.30.
It stands out with exceptional cycling infrastructure, scoring 74.14, the highest among all towns on our list.
Public transit options are available though limited at 12.41.
The median home price in Sitka is approximately $390,000, reflecting its popularity and quality of life.
Yakutat
Yakutat ranks fourth with a College Friendly Score of 51.95.
Walkability is slightly better than some other towns at 3.78, though still quite limited.
Valdez Whittier
Valdez-Whittier secures the third position with a College Friendly Score of 52.64.
Walkability remains low at 1.72, and like many Alaskan communities, cycling infrastructure and public transit are limited.
Eielson Air Force Base
Eielson Air Force Base ranks second with a strong College Friendly Score of 59.92.
The base offers a somewhat hip and trendy environment at 14.38, with a vibrancy score of 9.25.
However, walkability is extremely limited at 0.57, and both cycling and public transit options are not available.
The absence of cycling infrastructure and public transit options could pose challenges for students without personal vehicles.
